POLICE in Mid Cheshire are taking action against criminals travelling in from outside the county to spoil things for pleasure-seekers.

They have been using the Automatic Number Plate Recognition system in police vehicles to track and detect cars entering and leaving the area.

A police spokesman said offenders taking advantage of unsecured belongings at golf courses, hotels and car parks in rural areas was an annual problem.

The area in and around Delamere Forest has seen a spate of opportunistic thefts and people are being urged to take extra precautions, such as making sure their cars and belongings are properly secured and left in a safe area.

Four people have been arrested as a result of the operation.

Stewart Sheer, who helped to coordinate the operation in Northwich, said: 'As a result of operations like this people can visit Cheshire over the summer months without the fear of a crime being committed against them.'